Historic Preservation Commission

Staff conferred with District 1 Chief of Staff Terry Cox to request an extension of the research report deadline identified in Resolution 2020-272. The revised list identifying properties that warrant investigation was shared with the Commission. The subcommittee currently has (2) additional meetings scheduled in December of 2020. Currently, City staff is leading the research efforts but will reach out to the Commission with any potential red flags or assistance requests.

Commissioner Simmons shared with the Commission: 1) Desires the Historic Preservation Commission to have the opportunity to review recommendations from the General Plan Implementation Committee in regards to the City's Historic Districts prior to going before City Council for review. 2) Historical property HP#231, 1458 E. Divisadero, Fresno, known as the Hopkins Home - concern regarding construction on the property without obtaining appropriate permits. Mr. Simmons has notified Code Enforcement. 3) Request update at next meeting regarding demolition of the Cheese Factory located on the Producers Dairy - 450 E. Belmont, Fresno. 4) Request that a letter be sent to City Council Chair requesting that Old Armenian Town be placed on the Council agenda to be recognized and designated as a historical district. Commissioner Rocha shared with the Commission: 1) Concern for the Fresno Water Tower and the ongoing issue of the homeless breaking into the property. With the cold months approaching, inquiry of what can be done to protect the property and prevent future damage. 2) Request City staff to follow up with property owner of 743 E. Floradora with an update on completed mitigation and the Mills Act Program. Historic Preservation Specialist, Alicia Gonzales, informed the Commission that she will begin training shortly and the transfer of the Mills Act Program will be given over to her. Chair Boyd requested that City staff provide a status update to the property owner.

Lilia Chavez, Executive Director of the Arts Council, shared concerns with the Commission regarding the homeless population encamping in the alcove area of the Fresno Water Tower. Ms. Chavez presented the option to have iron gates installed at the doorway of the Fresno Water Tower. Ms Chavez ensured the Commission that the gates would be consistent with the building structure and would eliminate the access to the alcove area from the homeless population possibly encamping in the area, defacing the structure, causing damage and possibly a safety hazard. With the cold months upon us Ms. Chavez requests that the matter be dealt with quickly. Ms. Chavez noted that the Arts Council could potentially assist with some of the costs to install the iron gate. The Commission discussed the concerns presented by Ms. Chavez. Chair Boyd requested that Assistant Director of Planning and Development, Mike Sanchez, be contacted on this issue and for input on how to move forward.

Historic Preservation Specialist, Alicia Gonzales, informed the Commission of the following updates regarding Resolution 2020-272 directing the Historic Preservation Commission to identify City facilities that are potentially named after controversial historical figures: At the October 26, 2020 HPC meeting, the Commission appointed a subcommittee consisting of Chair Boyd, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Roper and Historic Preservation Specialist, Alicia Gonzales. The goal of the subcommittee is to develop the research methodology and to identify which City facilities are potentially named after controversial historical figures. The subcommittee, with assistance from City staff, is presently working through an exhaustive list of names and eliminating those facilities that clearly do not warrant additional investigation. Research tracking has been initiated with ancestory.com, library records, google searches, and with internal City resources such as past Council Resolutions, Planning and Development records and respective department records.

PUBLIC COMMENT: The following options are available for members of the public who want to attend and/or address the Historic Preservation Commission: 1. Join online webinar on ZOOM a) If you would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the meeting remotely from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. Please use URL: https://zoom.us/j/91954893079 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR 2. Join by Phone a) Dial: US: +1 669 900 9128 Enter Webinar ID: 919 5489 3079 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR 3. Email a) Attendees may also email comments to mike.sanchez@fresno.gov to be read during the meeting. Please include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak on in the subject line of your email (e.g., November 23, 2020 - Item A). And, please include your name and address for the record at the top of the body of your email. b) Emails are not to exceed 150 words. c) All comments received will be distributed to the Commission prior and during the meeting and will be a part of the official record.